When Art Anthony was diagnosed with diabetes in 1994, his doctor prescribed medications to control his blood sugar. But Art wanted to do more. Having sadly watched his beloved wife pass away from diabetes, he knew he did not want to have the same fate. So he started to exercise and modified his diet. Before long, Art’s diabetes was under control.

Art Anthony

But in 2008, Art began to experience some symptoms that he knew were not normal. He visited a local doctor and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Art was befuddled by the lack of care he received from his doctor. His medical records were lost, as was his hope of being treated.

Then a friend recommended City of Hope for a second opinion. Art was amazed at how quickly City of Hope doctors were willing to meet with him—he got an appointment two days later. “I remember thinking, am I really that important to them? Turns out I was,” he says with a laugh.

Once at City of Hope, Art’s prostate cancer was confirmed. But it was also discovered that Art had a series of other health conditions that needed to be treated before he could undergo robotic surgery for his cancer.

“They took care of everything, every step of the way. I take my hat off to City of Hope for fixing all that was wrong with me,” Art enthuses. “They’re experts there, and they care. I never felt like just a statistic.”

But Art’s battle was not over. Following Art’s surgery, his doctor at City of Hope noticed Art’s left leg was swollen and tender—signs of infection. Tests confirmed that Art’s diabetes was uncontrolled once again. Unfortunately, uncontrolled blood sugars increase the risk for serious infections.

Art was referred to City of Hope’s Endocrinology Department, where he met with an Endocrinologist, a Registered Dietician, and a Diabetes Nurse Educator, who helped him improve his blood sugar control. “Because of the care I had already been receiving at City of Hope, I knew I was in good hands,” says Art.

Due to his dedication and efforts, Art has been able to control his blood glucose and blood pressure. He is back on track and determined to stay healthy.

Art credits City of Hope caregivers for helping him get to where he is today, especially Peggy Mancini, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., and Maria Aviña, R.N., B.S.N., C.D.E., because they took the time to educate him on his diabetes, motivated him to take care of himself, and helped him get well.

Art is also very special to those who have treated him. As Peggy and Maria say, “Art is a true partner in his healthcare: self-disciplined, positive, and ever eager to learn more, an inspiration to everyone he meets.” 

Art is grateful for the treatment and care he received at City of Hope, made possible through the generous support of donors like you. He also wants people to know that City of Hope is about more than just cancer. “It’s a wonderful place to go for diabetes or whatever disease you have. They take care of the whole person.”

Today, Art is enjoying his life and his time with his family. He is back to coaching girls’ softball at a local high school, and is looking forward to seeing his grandkids graduate from college.

“I’m a really blessed guy to find City of Hope,” he says. “You can never lose when you’ve got City of Hope in your corner.”